How do you write a property description? With a template

The template

1. 01

   First line: what sets the property apart, in one sentence. “Two-bedroom with a wraparound balcony and open views, two blocks from the train.”

2. 02

   Key details: area, indoor and total size, rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, parking, age, price and monthly fees.

3. 03

   The tour: rooms in the order you walk in, with one useful fact for each (orientation, closets, kitchen condition).

4. 04

   The surroundings: transit, shops, schools or parks nearby. Only what is really a few blocks away.

5. 05

   Terms: mortgage-ready, pets allowed, furnished, available from when.

6. 06

   Closing: how to book a viewing and at what times.

An example

“Bright two-bedroom with a wraparound balcony and open views. 775 sq ft plus a 130 sq ft balcony, high floor, south-facing. Living and dining room opening to the balcony, renovated open kitchen, two bedrooms with closets and a full bathroom. Building with doorman and laundry. Two blocks from the train and across from a park. Viewings Monday to Saturday: message me and we will set a time.”

Words that add nothing

• “Excellent”, “immaculate”, “unique”, “opportunity”: every listing uses them and nobody reads them anymore. Replace each one with a fact.
• “Price on request”: many people move on. If the price can be published, publish it.
• All caps and strings of exclamation marks read like shouting.
• Industry abbreviations: buyers do not always know them.

The right length

Between 80 and 200 words. Listing sites and social media show only the first lines before “see more”, so the important part goes on top: someone who reads only the first sentence and the key details should already know whether it interests them.